Gladman exhibition

Reporter Jonathan White, Wistaston

Gladman held a public exhibition at Wistaston Memorial Hall on Friday 19th April 2013 (4-7pm). Gladman are proposing to build up to 330 homes on land, known locally as 'Witter's Field', in Wistaston: http://www.your-views.co.uk/wistaston/ . The 330 homes, with 30% affordable housing, would also include an area of public open space with recreational facilities. The Gladman event followed a public exhibition last Friday by the Muller Property Group who propose to build up to 1,500 homes in Wistaston: http://www.crewewest.com/ .

There were three representatives from Gladman (Andy, Kevin and Mike - no last names were provided) were present at the exhibition. There were twelve separate display boards with information relating to Wistaston and the proposed development. There was a box for feedback forms.

I did not hear anyone in favour of the proposal, other than representatives from Gladman. Objections I heard at the Gladman exhibition included the loss of an area frequently used by dog walkers, runners and walkers, the increase in congestion in Church Lane and surrounding areas from the single entrance/exit road for vehicles, confusion over who would live in the houses and where the jobs would come from to support them and the blight of an urban expanse in a currently rural setting.

There were also concerns that Muller and Gladman may be attempting to 'land bank' the field(s), as this type of land is more profitable to developers than brown belt.